Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutNB 3 CHAMBERS USE 08-02-93NEW BUSINESS NO. 3 -2-93 ~ATE: July 28, 1993 Inter-Corn TO: WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER FROM: COM]~NITY SERVICES/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT SUBJECT: CITY COUNCIL CflAMBERS USE POLICIES RECOMMENDATION: Approve revised Facility Use Policies for the City Council Chambers. FISCAL IMPACT: The City might not accommodate some rentals. This could result in a loss of approximately $1,000 per year if these rentals cannot be held in alternate City buildings. Losses are not expected from using the building for City-sponsored contract classes since these programs can be moved to alternate locations. BACKGROUND: In fall of 1992, the City Council adopted a new fee schedule for public use of City parks,, fields and buildings. These revisions did not include the City Council Chambers. Because of the improvements to the building furnishings and equipment, Community Services Department staff has revised facility use policies specifically for the City Council Chambers. Before the Civic Center Remodeling Project, the City Council Chambers rentals included local nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, businesses and individuals. The Community Services Department also used the building for classes suited to the setting, Rentals were scheduled not to interfere with regular City governmental uses such as City Council, Parks and Recreation Commission and Planning Commission meetings. Rentals and Community Services Department use of the City Council Chambers occurred only about twice monthly. These activities included seminars, special meetings, church services and classes. The renovations now underway will significantly improve the physical appearance of the building and upgrade sound and video equipment. Staff is especially concerned about the security of the state of the art sound and video equipment. While this equipment will be secured when the building is not in use, outside use of the building could unnecessarily expose the equipment to theft, accidental damage or vandalism. Costs for repairs because of just one incident could easily exceed the $1,000 revenue projection for City Council Chambers rentals. Given these notable alterations and the limited outside use of the facility, staff is recommending revised policies which will ensure the long term quality of the Council Chambers. DISCUSSION: The City Council Chambers were designed for governmental meetings. This building contains sophisticated public address and recording equipment, voting display machines and communication devices. To ensure the long-term quality of this equipment and the building furnishings, staff recommends the following policies: The use of the City Council Chambers is limited to governmental meetings. This includes the regular meetings of the City Council, other City Commissions and Committees and staff. · The Community Services Department is responsible for coordinating and maintaining a schedule for all use of the City Council Chambers. · Federal, state, county and local agencies may use the City Council Chambers when they are not otherwise scheduled for City of Tustin activities. This also includes school and special districts. e Application for outside agency use of the City Council Chambers is made through the Community Services Department, however the City Manager will review and approve such applications. · Outside agencies using the City Council Chambers will be charged a fee to recover the direct cost for personnel if staff above those routinely scheduled is necessary to accommodate the use. · No food or drink will be allowed in the City Council Chambers (with the exception of water at the Council and staff dias). Coffee at meetings will be available in the Lobby area only. community Services Department staff is confident that these policies will keep the new City Council Chambers in top condition for many years to come. The few non-governmental activities which previously occurred in the City Council Chambers can use the Conmunity Center & Lobby area, and other City buildings or community facilities. When the city Council approved revised fees and charges for rental of all City buildings, the revisions were based on expenses for personnel, supplies and utilities. Staff will annually review fees and policies for all buildings to stay current with expenses and trends. trick Recreation Supervisor Christine A. S Assistant City Manager Susan M. Jones Recreation Superintendent RW1: ~RI~OL. CC